Eni Strikes Major Gas Discovery Offshore Côte d'Ivoire

In a major development for Côte d'Ivoire's offshore energy sector, Italian multinational Eni has announced a substantial gas and condensate discovery in the country's waters. According to the company, the new find represents the second-largest gas discovery ever made in Côte d'Ivoire. The discovery was made at the Baleine exploration well, located in Block CI-101. Eni, the operator of the block with a 90% stake, said the well encountered a hydrocarbon column of about 2,000 meters, with excellent reservoir characteristics. 'This important discovery confirms the significant upside potential of the area and strengthens Eni's position in Côte d'Ivoire,' said Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi. 'It also demonstrates our commitment to contributing to the development of the country's energy resources.' The Baleine discovery is located approximately 60 kilometers off the coast of Côte d'Ivoire, in water depths of around 1,200 meters. Eni said further drilling and testing will be carried out to assess the full extent of the discovery and its potential for development. This latest find builds on Côte d'Ivoire's growing reputation as an emerging offshore energy hotspot. In recent years, major international oil companies have ramped up exploration and development activities in the country's waters, attracted by its favorable geology and political stability compared to some neighboring nations. 'This discovery by Eni is another important milestone for Côte d'Ivoire's offshore energy sector,' said gCaptain, a leading maritime industry news source. 'It underscores the country's potential to become a significant gas producer in the years ahead, which could have wider implications for the regional energy landscape.'